What does "release" mean?
The event of setting (someone or something) free (e.g. hostages, slaves, prisoners, caged animals, hooked or stuck mechanisms).
Release
/ɹəˈliːs/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Top 500 ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The event of setting (someone or something) free (e.g. hostages, slaves, prisoners, caged animals, hooked or stuck mechanisms).
- Grammar: release is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: liberation, vent, abandonment, abjuration.
- Useful contrasts: anchored, bated, bemusing.
- Usage evidence: When the body is touched, receptors in the skin send messages to the brain causing the release of chemicals such as endorphins.
How to use "release"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "release" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "release" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "release" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "release" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "release" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "liberation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "release", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The event of setting (someone or something) free (e.g. hostages, slaves, prisoners, caged animals, hooked or stuck mechanisms). countable, uncountable
"Similar studies of rats have employed four different intracranial resorbable, slow sustained release systems—surgical foam, a thermal gel depot, a microcapsule or biodegradable polymer beads."
- 2 the act of liberating someone or something wordnet
- 3 The distribution, either public or private, of an initial or new and upgraded version of a computer software product. countable, uncountable
- 4 (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone wordnet
- 5 Anything recently released or made available (as for sale). countable, uncountable
"The video store advertised that it had all the latest releases."
Show 22 more definitions
- 6 a formal written statement of relinquishment wordnet
- 7 That which is released, untied or let go. countable, uncountable
"They marked the occasion with a release of butterflies."
- 8 the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart) wordnet
- 9 The giving up of a claim, especially a debt. countable, uncountable
- 10 the act of allowing a fluid to escape wordnet
- 11 Liberation from pain or suffering. countable, uncountable
- 12 activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion wordnet
- 13 The process by which a chemical substance is set free. countable, uncountable
- 14 merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film) wordnet
- 15 The act or manner of ending a sound. countable, uncountable
- 16 a device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism wordnet
- 17 In the block system, a printed card conveying information and instructions to be used at intermediate sidings without telegraphic stations. countable, historical, uncountable
- 18 a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation wordnet
- 19 A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.; A catch on a motor-starting rheostat, which automatically releases the rheostat arm and so stops the motor in case of a break in the field circuit. countable, uncountable
- 20 an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation wordnet
- 21 A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.; The catch on an electromagnetic circuit breaker for a motor, triggered in the event of an overload. countable, uncountable
- 22 euphemistic expressions for death wordnet
- 23 A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.; The lever or button on a camera that opens the shutter to allow a photograph to be taken. countable, uncountable
- 24 a process that liberates or discharges something wordnet
- 25 Orgasm. countable, uncountable
"She quivered in release."
- 26 Discharged semen countable, uncountable
"His hot release pouring into her, filling her and adding to the wettness within her"
- 27 A kind of bridge used in jazz music. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To let go of; to cease to hold or contain. transitive
"He released his grasp on the lever."
- 2 To lease again; to grant a new lease of; to let back. transitive
- 3 generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids wordnet
- 4 To make available to the public. transitive
"They released the new product later than intended."
- 5 eliminate (a substance) wordnet
Show 16 more definitions
- 6 To free or liberate; to set free. transitive
"He was released after two years in prison."
- 7 make (assets) available wordnet
- 8 To discharge. transitive
"They released thousands of gallons of water into the river each month."
- 9 prepare and issue for public distribution or sale wordnet
- 10 (of a call) To hang up. transitive
"If you continue to use abusive language, I will need to release the call."
- 11 let (something) fall or spill from a container wordnet
- 12 To let go, quit (a legal claim); to discharge or relinquish a right to (lands or buildings) by conveying to another who has some right or estate in possession. transitive
- 13 release, as from one's grip wordnet
- 14 To loosen; to relax; to remove the obligation of. transitive
"punishments inflicted and released"
- 15 release (gas or energy) as a result of a chemical reaction or physical decomposition wordnet
- 16 To set up; to provide with a goalscoring opportunity. transitive
"With the Gunners far too lightweight in midfield, Mikel Arteta dropped back into a deeper-lying role. This freed Yossi Benayoun to go further forward, a move that helped forge a rare Arsenal chance on 30 minutes when the Israeli released Van Persie, only for the Dutchman's snap-shot to be tipped around the post."
- 17 part with a possession or right wordnet
- 18 To set free a chemical substance.
- 19 grant freedom to; free from confinement wordnet
- 20 To launch; to come out; to become available. intransitive
"when the game releases"
- 21 make (information) available for publication wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"When the body is touched, receptors in the skin send messages to the brain causing the release of chemicals such as endorphins."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "release"?
Common synonyms include: liberation, vent, abandonment, abjuration, absolution, absolve.
How do you use "release" in a sentence?
When the body is touched, receptors in the skin send messages to the brain causing the release of chemicals such as endorphins.
How do you pronounce "release"?
Pronounced /ɹəˈliːs/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English relesen, relessen, from Old French relaisser (variant of relascher).
Etymology 2
From re- + lease.